A Very Alpha Christmas

by Anthology

  Adolpho’s eyes widened as he spotted a cart and dragged her by the elbow to it. He dragged a coin purse from beneath his shirt. “Two honey cakes and a handful of those confections,” he said, pointing to tiny cookies shaped like wolves.

  “I get these every Solstice,” he said, offering her a honey cake. “It’s tradition to share with friends and loved ones. ‘Tis a good time of year to eat yourself sick if you care to.”

  “Thank you.” She laughed, enjoying her honey cake. “I’ve never seen such bounty or such large crowds.”

  “Our Alpha has been expanding the town and trade routes. In the past, we couldn’t celebrate like this. He says peace will make us all prosperous. It is hard to argue with that logic when you see this.” Adolpho held his arms wide. He munched happily on his cake, weaving through the boisterous crowd until he reached a group of children that surrounded him.

  They yelled and danced, jumping up and down with large, pleading eyes and big smiles. “Adolpho! What have you today?”

  A little girl with sable curls and huge brown eyes tugged his hand. They varied in age, but they were all impish, adorable, and irresistible.

  He laughed and passed out the wolf cookies to the little beggars, taking sticky kisses all over his face from grateful scamps before they bounded off. He rubbed his face on his shoulder and brushed crumbs off his cloak.

  Star arched a brow silently. He shrugged and didn’t bother to hide his smile.

  “Tis best just to feed their little empty mouths when they come round. Besides, I’ve less worries of pickpockets and beggars just giving in. Alpha is this way. He’s always to be found at the inn, the drunk bastard.”

  Say what he wanted, but she could tell he enjoyed spoiling those kids or he wouldn’t have taken their hugs and kisses too. Star followed him to the inn.

  He yanked the door open just as a contingent of tall, lanky and dark-haired people not too dissimilar to her passed through. She detected the scent of cat, but they weren’t lynx—some other breed. A man with ebony skin and a clean-shaven head held her gaze, but he said nothing and moved on. Adolpho glanced down at her, and she tucked her hand around his bicep, keeping close as they brushed past.

  The door closed, sealing the noise of the inn inside. Her ears rang from the volume. “Never saw those ones before,” he yelled above the din.

  A woman with a tight fitting corset, loose blouse, and ample bosom walked up, grinning with flirty eyes at Adolpho. She glanced briefly at Star but he held her attention. “Hey, handsome. Like a drink?”

  “Sure, Mauve. One for me and the girl, and two plates of your special. Nicodemus here?”

  “She with you?” Mauve said, pouting and losing her smile but only slightly enough to make Star feel awkward.

  “Not how you think,” he said, chuckling.

  His response perked her back up. “Good. Nicodemus is in the back. Head on in. I’ll have your food and drinks waiting when you come out.”

  “I’ll pay my own way, Adolpho. You’ve done too much as it is,” Star said, walking beside him to the hall.

  “You sure? You have some hidden cache in your small clothes? You didn’t look exactly flush with coin,” he said, giving a knock on the door.

  “I’m willing to work for what I get,” she said tightly.

  He raised an eyebrow. The door cracked open—it was Jaxon, with his long dark hair pulled back from his face, the scar along his cheek didn’t pull so tight, or perhaps it was the mated life that had eased some of the pain from his face.

  “Eh, boyo!” Adolpho said, clapping arms with Jaxon, who grinned widely. “When did you come back to town? You didn’ even come see me. How’s that gel of yours?”

  Jaxon grinned. “I just got back this morning. Mali’s in our cabin nesting and near to bearing the babe. I shouldn’t have been on the road so long, but the weather tied me up at the ports.”

  “Come on in and quit dawdling at the door,” Nicodemus said from within.

  Jaxon ducked his head and showed them inside. Nicodemus stood from his desk and moved around the other side to lean against the front. “When did you get yerself a woman you old dog?”

  Adolpho reddened. “She’s not mine—”

  Nicodemus cut him off, eyeing Star appreciatively. “She staying with you?”

  “She did.”

  Jaxon and Nicodemus exchanged a look, each trying to beat the other for biggest grin.

  “This is Star. She’s run into a bit of bad luck. I wanted permission for her to stay in the town until she gets on her feet.”

  The Alpha raised his hands toward the ceiling and shrugged. “She’s not wolf. That I can tell by the smell of her.”

  “Lynx,” Star said quietly.

  “Don’t know why we’ve gotten all these cats lately. Jaxon just escorted a pride of lions to the town wanting to trade. And we had another tomcat nosing around looking to trade furs.”

  Star’s eyes widened almost imperceptibly, but despite their Alpha’s boisterous nature, he had a knack for reading people and rarely missed their reactions.

  Nicodemus’ eyes narrowed, and he crossed his arms across his chest. “That mean something to you?”

  “Not at all. Will you grant me permission to stay?” she said, keeping her voice and face even.

  He relaxed marginally and stroked his short red beard. He sighed. “I suppose it’s inevitable, this mingling of the clans. We can’t remain in our old ways for eternity. Aye. You can stay if you like, leave when you want. A few stray cats roaming the alleys and streets won’t pose much problem for the clan.”

  Adolpho cleared his throat, noticing the hair bristle up the back of Star’s head. He didn’t know much about felines, but he knew enough to tell when a woman was displeased. “We’ll leave ya to yer business then. Much thanks. I’ll talk to you later, Jaxon.”

  The door closed behind them and they headed back to the great room for their dinner.

  “Stray cats roaming the streets. He acts as if we are inferior,” she said, fuming.

  “He’s set in his ways. Change is slow. I’m surprised he didn’t put up more of a fight, honestly,” Adolpho said.

  Mauve saw them return and bustled out with their plates. They sat at the small table with roasted pheasant and smashed potatoes and gravy. A loaf of dark brown bread, fresh churned butter, and two tankards of beer completed the meal. They reached for the bread at the same time, brushing fingers. Star jerked her hand away as if burned, but then she smiled slightly and looked at him from beneath her thick eyelashes.

  He watched her wordlessly, attempting to decipher her response. Was he repulsive as a wolf? Was she simply perturbed by his alpha? Was he a moron reading too much into things? Probably the latter, he decided, and pretended as if unbothered and unmoved. A loner didn’t go begging for scraps from a pretty woman. If she wanted him, she’d have made it known.

  They finished their meal in silence, and he could tell something was bothering her. He tried to think of what he’d done and came up empty.

  “I don’t want you paying for me,” she said finally, putting the misery out of the mystery.

  Was he that readable? No wonder he couldn’t win at cards. “You going to wash dishes then?”

  “I’ll do what I have to. I’m sure they could take other forms of payment,” she said. “Thank you for all your help, but I don’t need anyone taking care of me. I rely on myself. I’m the only one I can depend on.”

  Adolpho stood, stretching and hiding his concern. She was right. They weren’t mated. He’d been foolish to entertain any ideas of attraction coming from her direction. Polite smiles and nods didn’t mean she wanted anything more. Actually, he was glad she was so upfront about this rather than taking him for all he was worth. The change was refreshing, if only slightly depressing.

  “Take good care of yourself then. You change your mind about anything, you know where I’ll be.” That’s right—pretend nothing is a bother. He was good at feigning indifference and wore it like a p
rotective armor.

  “You’re a good friend, Adolpho. You’ll make a good mate someday for a woman more deserving than I. I’m more trouble than not.” She almost sounded like she was trying to convince herself as much as she was him.

  “Aye, lass,” he said quietly.

  He nodded and walked away with heavy feet and a disgusting, morose feeling settled into the pit of his stomach with the heavy gravy and potatoes. Friend. He’d heard that before, and the word felt like a mark he wore upon his forehead. He felt sick to his stomach, and he had no idea why.

  * * *

  Taj left the witch-wolf’s store, still reeling from the multitude of pungent oils, potions, and hanging herbs she hoarded within the small space. Much as he disliked the wolves, after being attacked on a hunt, he’d had no choice but to turn to Fangor for aid. He’d been unable to remove the arrow buried in the flesh of his back on his own, and his choice little she-cat had escaped while he’d dragged his half-dead carcass back to the cave. It infuriated him that she’d take advantage of his delay returning to her, and with the snowfall, he’d had no idea where to begin looking for her, or even the energy to expend in a search.

  He should have fucked her while he had the chance, but he’d wanted to savor her heat when it came upon her—now that opportunity was lost.

  Taj dragged his feet, feeling better now that the silver was no longer poisoning his blood. The witch-wolf assured him a good night’s sleep was all he needed to return to normal. The poultice she’d packed and wrapped onto his back would help quicken his results and dull the residual pain. Which was good, because he had every intention of returning to the human scum who’d attacked him for raiding their farm. He snorted, eyeing the joyful, celebratory crowds, thinking about the humans settling so close these lands and the people blissfully unaware of the danger that lurked beyond the mountains. A few more years and there would likely be no separation between the two nations.

  What cared he of the wolf clan? He’d move farther south and look for someone of his blood. They could keep this accursed valley and the trouble it would incur.

  His stomach rumbled, and he checked his purse and its meager coins. A hot meal or a bed—he couldn’t afford both. He stopped at the inn, prepared to bargain his way into some meat and a spot in the stables if need be, when he caught the perfume of burgeoning feline heat. The lush scent awakened the beast within, punching him in the groin and twisting his guts like a vice. Only his weakened state prevented him from unleashing his cat. He stumbled to the glass, pressing a hand over his eyes to look inside.

  A glance through the large bank of windows bedecked with garlands of spruce confirmed what he already knew—Star was there, cleaning tables and avoiding grabbing hands. She was ripe for mating, and these fool wolves didn’t know or appreciate it. Less competition. He smiled, straightening from the glass to consider his next move. Good fortune was on his side.

  4

  “You’ve paid off your meal and earned a few coin.” Mauve said, pressing a handful of coins with a wolf imprinted on the front. “Go on now, and I’ll see you tomorrow if you crave more work,” she added, exuding appreciation for Star’s efforts with a warm smile and eyes crinkled at the corners. She’d earned the she-wolf’s respect if nothing else. Mauve propped a hand on her hip, ignoring the calls of patrons as she studied Star’s face with a slow forming frown. “You should get some air. I think these boys may be getting to ya. You don’t look ta good.”

  “I think you’re right.” Nodding in relief, Star wiped her forehead with the back of her hand. The crushing heat of the crowd and a roaring fire had taken a toll. She hated to think it was exerting herself by cleaning or avoiding the men’s hands that gravitated to her bottom every time she bent over or passed by a table. The experience made her appreciate her roaming lifestyle in the woods and mountains all the more.

  Pushing the inn door open, cold air blasted inside with a whistling howl, freezing the dotted sweat on her brow and the hollow of her throat. Relief blanketed her with the freedom of unrestricted sky and open space. She closed her eyes and inhaled fresh air, subduing her pounding headache. Her beast sensuously rubbed against her spine with a longing to stretch and run, whispering in her mind to be unleashed. It whispered for more than a change—she recognized the need to mate deeper within.

  A passerby jostled her, and her eyes flew open as she caught herself from stumbling forward. She turned to see who’d rudely bumped her and saw a blond, shining crown of hair disappearing into the crowd. She stared in shock as alarm rippled down her spine and seemed to root her feet to the ground.

  Wolves surrounded her, going about their business as dusk progressed across the sky with a deep violet curtain and dimmed the remaining light. Star willed her feet to move, weaving through the crowd to catch a better glimpse of the blond-haired man, but she’d waited too long—or moved too sluggishly to find him.

  A cramp fisted her belly. She sucked in a pained breath, falling against a column supporting a storied balcony above. Star recognized the pain signaling the mating fever that came before her menses—stronger than any she’d experienced before. Was it the lion pride? Or could it be Taj affected her body’s rhythms? Was he here, or was it merely a coincidence? He’d rattled her, and she wondered how long it would be until she returned to normal.

  She pressed her forehead against the rough, cold timber, waiting for the spasm to pass. That couldn’t have been Taj, she reasoned. What were the chances he would be here? And if he were, he wouldn’t simply bump her and move on. He’d claim her, and she doubted any here would even question his rights or her refusal.

  As if conjured by her wild imaginings, she heard her name whispered, “Star.”

  Star whipped her head up, whirling around with the phantom voice still in her ears. A bearish laugh barked nearby, drawing her attention. Feeling her stare, the dark eyed stranger stared back and broke eye contact, moving on with his friends. She scanned the street, back and forth, her gaze alighting on torches lit and placed in holders along the street. The carts and wares were packed away, making room for the increasing number of people in town.

  Tonight was Solstice, the longest night of the year, and everyone seemed bent upon celebrating the cold winter night. Firelight shone on golden hair across the street, snaring her attention, but a couple passed in front of her line of sight just as the man turned. Impatiently, she pushed off and craned her head, but whatever she thought she’d seen wasn’t there.

  “I am losing my mind,” she muttered.

  “Tis good I’m here to help you find it again,” Adolpho said in his deep, rumbling voice.

  Star jumped and spun, crashing against his broad chest as his arms came instinctively around her back. Sensing her vulnerability, he said nothing as he stood there and held her, bleeding warmth and security into her shuddering frame. Never before had she feared anything in this life. Taj had stolen a piece of her, and she wondered if she could ever get it back.

  Closing her eyes, Adolpho’s clean masculine scent filled her nose and soothed her apprehension. Beneath the palms she pressed against his chest, she could feel his heartbeat increase its tempo, and recognized the hard muscles of his belly clench at the crush of her breasts. He was still, barely breathing and restraining his reactions as though experiencing a fear of his own. What could a giant of a man be afraid of—was it her? Did he know she was indeed in heat? Could that instinct cross the boundaries of their species?

  She realized her ignorance in the matter left her vulnerable. A wave of unbidden neediness assailed her, and it took all her strength to pull free of his arms. Why did he make her feel safe? Why did the lynx sit up and take notice in her mind and begged for a rub-down from his wolf? Was it the mating heat that would take any partner, good fit or no? She didn’t know him—she had no reason to feel anything beyond gratitude, but she’d learned to trust her beast when she had nothing else to go on. She tilted her face, studying his expression, which indicated discomfort by his swarthy skin
and wrinkled brow.

  Adolpho cleared his throat to hide his reaction, pulling his cloak tight around him to hide the randy beast that sniffed at the pussycat. Closer to forty than thirty, he was far too old to act interested in a young little chit like her. He was a friend and that had always been his lot where women were concerned. A short stop on the way back to her life. She’d needed aid and he’d supplied it, and nothing here would hold her back. Still, the wildness he scented on her appealed to him as much as her warm, dark skin and vibrant eyes—and that soft, womanly figure she couldn’t seem to hide. He wondered how long he could deny the base instincts of his needs. The sooner he saw her away, the less likely he was to court misfortune.

  “My friend and his mate have invited me to dinner. ‘Tis their first time celebrating Solstice at their home and they’re craving mouths to feed I reckon, or they wouldn’t ask me to come over. I didna want to be the odd man out as usual. Will you put a miserable soul out of his misery and join me?” He tensed, knowing he was a glutton for trouble for continuing to put himself into her path.

  Star grinned and nodded, taking his hand and looking at him expectantly. “I’d love to.”

  The touch of her fingers entwined with his made his guts clench as if a stomach punch landed. The fine hairs on his knuckles prickled like a lightning storm threatened in the sky—and he felt a charge of energy ripple up his spine. His beast salivated with hungry chops as he led her through the merrymakers gathered on the streets. Jaxon lived on the furthest edge of town past the row houses.

  After a few minutes, he could see Jaxon’s house rise into view. The chimney smoked, carrying with it a mingling smell of cooking delights.

  She tugged his hand before swinging it like a young lover, and skipped along to keep up with his longer stride. He found her whimsical way of walking charming. “You don’t have to be afraid of me,” she said.